ALFA Selects ASTELLIA to optimize its 3G+ network quality of experience (QOE) and performance

Beirut, Lebanon, June 12 2012- Alfa, the first Lebanese mobile operator managed by Orascom Telecom, and Astellia, a leading provider of monitoring solutions for the optimization of mobile network QoS, announce the signature of a partnership agreement which will see Astellia expanding its existing solution footprint for Alfa to deliver a complete vendor-independent 3G+ monitoring solution which will highlight the quality experience of Alfa’s subscribers, and offer major enhancements on network capabilities.

“This partnership comes in line with the national QoS network plan for 2012 which has set concrete targets. Astellia’s 3G+monitoring solution will allow us to proactively address any quality problems on our 3G+ network and analyze hidden network issues,” comments Assaad Abousleiman, Alfa’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO). “This will enhance the efficiency and performance of our network and result in offering our entire base of subscribers of 1.7 million with a first class Quality of Experience (QoE). We are confident that Astellia will lead the project successfully and allow us to address all requirements within the set timelines,” addsAbousleiman.

Astellia has already established a solid reputation within Alfa through its comprehensive 2G monitoring solution. The company has also performed a three-month in-depth audit for Alfa’s 3G+ network following its deployment and official launch, delivering actionable insights to optimize network quality and provide first class experience to Alfa’s subscribers. This comprehensive audit was the stepping-stone to Alfa’s purchase of Astellia’s complete solution.

Under the signed deal, Astellia will monitor all 3G+ network interfaces (IuCS, IuPS and Iub) for Alfa in two phases hereby delivering precise, up to cell level information to optimize and fine-tune Alfa’s radio access network. Astellia will be also working on upgrading Alfa’s both 2G and 3G+ solutions with new modules (such as Roaming), and enhancing the network solution with key performance indicators reporting, troubleshooting, and alarming capabilities.

“It is a great honor for Astellia to be acknowledged by Alfa for our outstanding network optimization solutions and services. Through this contract, Astellia is taking Alfa further into the QoE era by providing a deeper understanding of the inter dependencies between network equipment, subscribers, mobile devices, voice and data services,” says Ali Wansa, Managing Director Middle East at Astellia.

About Alfa
Alfa is the first Lebanese mobile network owned by the Republic of Lebanon and managed by Orascom Telecom. Alfa capitalizes on the vast know-how and international expertise of the Orascom Group of Companies in order to deliver quality and professional solutions for the mobile sector in Lebanon. On October 25, 2011, Alfa was the first mobile operator to launch 3G+ mobile Broadband services in Lebanon. Alfa currently serves over 1.6 million subscribers and covers 99% of Lebanon. For more information: www.alfa.com.lb

About Orascom Telecom Media and Technology
OTMT is a holding company that has investments in companies with operations mainly in Egypt, North Korea, Pakistan, Lebanon and other North African and Middle-Eastern countries. The activities of OTMT are mainly divided into its GSM, media and technology and cable businesses. The GSM activities include mobile telecommunications operations in Egypt, North Korea and Lebanon. The media and technology division consists of OT Ventures/Intouch Communications Service and the OT Ventures Internet portals and other ventures in Egypt, including LINK Development, ARPU+ and LINKonLINE. The cable business focuses on the management of cable networks.
OTMT is traded on the Egyptian Stock Exchange under the symbol (OTMT.CA, OTMT EY).

About Astellia – www.astellia.com
Astellia is a global leader providing E2E mobile network monitoring and optimization solutions, presenting telecom operators with a clear, independent insight into their network performance and a near real-time visibility of the QoE of their subscribers. Astellia’s probe-based monitoring solution covers 2G, 3G and 4G technologies from radio access to the core network. Astellia delivers real business value by providing intelligence through a powerful product and expert service portfolio. Astellia partners with more than 180 worldwide telecom operators. Headquartered in France, Astellia has offices in Paris, New York, Reston, Singapore, Beirut, Rio de Janeiro, Prague, Saint Petersburg, Pretoria and New Delhi.

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